When one thinks of pressure washing, one typically thinks of cold water being used in the process. However, there are plenty times when cold water, even with detergents, just won’t give you the results you need.
Commercial properties are much more likely to be subject to tough stains from oil and grease which need more powerful cleaning methods than conventional pressure washing. This is where hot water pressure washing comes in. If you’re wondering which pressure washing technique is right for your property, we’ve got you covered! Read on for a quick look at when you need hot water pressure washing instead of cold.
What’s the Difference Between Hot Pressure Washing and Cold Pressure Washing?
The answer lies in the names. Hot pressure washers use hot water while cold pressure washers use cold water. They both use similar pressures, flow rates, can be used indoors and outdoors, and may or not use detergents to increase the effectiveness of their cleaning properties. Apart from water temperature, their main differences lie in the type of cleaning involved.
Cold Pressure Washers:
Cold pressure washing is ideal for cleaning regular dirt and grime and is ideal for surfaces that are sensitive to higher temperatures, like plastic for example. They can be useful for cleaning large exterior surfaces like driveways, sidewalks and building exteriors or for residential cleaning like cleaning dirt off wooden fences, for example.
When it comes to oil and grease, however, cold pressure washing doesn’t work. Cold water cannot break down the oil and grease, and spreads it around creating a larger mess.
Hot Pressure Washers:
While cold water is preferable for cleaning materials that might deform under high temperatures, hot water excels at eliminating stubborn stains. An industrial or commercial hot water pressure washer not only removes dirt, mud, deposits, and scale like its cold-water equivalent, but it also has the power to soften and dissolve substances like oil, grease, and grime. Hot water also kills bacteria and viruses, perfect sanitization purposes.
Another huge benefit of hot water pressure washing is that it works even when temperatures go well below freezing which means your surfaces can be cleaned no matter what the weather.
The Science Behind Hot Water Pressure Washing
The effectiveness of hot water pressure washing lies in the combination of heat, agitation, and soap. The high-pressure water provides the agitation needed to dislodge the dirt. The heat increases the chemical activity of the cleaning detergent, making it more effective at breaking down dirt and grease. The detergent also acts as an emulsifier for oil and grease so that they can mix with water and be washed away.
Is Hot Water Pressure Washing and Steam Cleaning the Same?
No. It isn’t, although you will typically hear the terms being interchanged freely. Steam cleaners do not have the same cleaning power as hot pressure washers and are generally best suited for small, residential, cleaning jobs like cleaning carpets.
Where is Hot Water Pressure Washing Needed?
It has a variety of applications in commercial and industrial settings, especially where grease, oil, and grime is almost a way of life. It also provides a vital surface in industries that require a high level of hygiene like the food and medical industries. Some applications include:
- Automotive and Transport Industries: Automotive shops, the trucking industry, or pretty much any industry associated with transport are well-acquainted with oil and grease and the difficulty of getting them off any surface. Hot water pressure washing cleans surfaces with ease to reduce fall hazards and make fleets of vehicles look good.
- Construction and Manufacturing: Complex machinery can be difficult to clean and those in the construction and manufacturing industries are often pressed for time. Hot water pressure washing can not only clean expensive equipment with minimal down time, but also clean other surfaces in factories and construction sites quickly so that working conditions remain safe.
- Food, Pharmaceutical, and Health: Hygiene is crucial in the food and pharmaceutical industries. It can use temperatures higher than 90°C to kill various pathogens. It also easily deals with oil and other stains that would normally require plenty of elbow grease to clean.
Hot water pressure washing is a versatile, efficient cleaning method that can help commercial properties and machinery look and perform at their best. However, as with anything to do with high temperatures, safety is paramount, and it is best left to professionals.
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